It was dumb, yes... but you couldn't help it. You had seen the others struggling. The fight against that monster in the lower levels was tougher than any of you had anticipated, especially with its cursed weapons. And the outcome? Well, it left all of you battered. Laios managed to land the killing blow, but the damage was already done.

Now, back at camp deep within the dungeon, the atmosphere was subdued. Exhaustion hung heavy on every face. The only sounds cutting through the stillness were the crackling fire and the bubbling of soup. Marcille, drained of mana, had retreated to her bedroll for rest. Chil fiddled with his tools absentmindedly, while Senshi and Laios took charge of preparing what little food you had left.

Despite it all, you managed to maintain a facade, hiding the pain throbbing through your back and body. You were like a wounded animal, playing tough, concealing the injury until it was unavoidable to change the bandages. With a feeble excuse about fetching water from the nearby overgrown pool, you separated from the group and sat by the water's edge. As you pulled up your cotton shirt, revealing blood-soaked bandages and an unappealing wound, you winced while cleaning it with a hiss of pain.

Then, Laios's call broke through your concentration. Abruptly, you pulled your shirt down and bit your lower lip. "Coming," you managed to call back, hurriedly composing yourself. Laios approached with an amiable grin, glancing curiously at the bucket of water and then at you.

"Hey there" he said cheerily, patting your shoulder. His expression shifted to concern as he noticed your flinch, his demeanor transforming from cheerful to attentive.

"You okay?" Laios asked, his voice softening. You nodded, trying to reassure him with a forced smile, though the pain was hard to hide.